Re: Michigan State 2009-2010
A mixed bag from tonight's 3-2 overtime win. Of course, the 'W' is the most important thing not only for the morale, it's a nice thing to have 1 game away from long break.
Good:
Like the NMU game, MSU was able to come back - but ... in the 3rd? Down 2? I understand you gotta consider who you're up against, but what a boost to the psyche this is.
Like the rest of the team, Bobby Jarosz ALSO came up huge when it mattered. In the third period - yes - but none bigger than the save in overtime on BGSU's 933rd odd-man rush of the game. Proving once again found a great tandem.
MSU came together despite the loss of one of their most physical players to a shoulder injury. Rowe, Tropp and Grant had something good going tonight.
Bad:
Speaking of that - Hayes will be out for awhile. It's the first significant in-season injury the Spartans have sufferred.
The powerplay remains anemic - 0-4, and a 2:20 stretch that included a 5-on-3. 4 shots on goal in 8:20 of powerplay time.
Getting out-hit by Bowling Green for the first two periods is inexcusable. MSU needed to be the one dictating the play, not the other way around.
Turnovers (mostly neutral zone) really sounded bad and MSU could've easily had a bigger hill to climb. Far too many 3-on-2's and 2-on-1's as a result.
Falcons' first goal came 3 seconds before penalty expired. Guys, gotta be absolutely on top of your clearing pass - sharp and confident. Grassi wasn't.
Finally, I don't agree that you're stategy against EVERY team is just to "throw the puck at the net." Against a very "green" BGSU team State has work the puck for some good shots. How does a young MSU team learn anything offensively, otherwise? How many times did MSU miss the net? It's one reason why night after night it seems we get off about 40 shots, but only 25 count.
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